The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 23 November 2021 – My Convert: My Joy And Crown
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TOPIC — My Convert: My Joy And Crown
READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (NKJV)
- But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
- Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us.
- For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Is it] not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
- For you are our glory and joy.
THE MESSAGE:
Today’s passage expresses not just the passion, affection and love that Apostle Paul had for his converts in Thessalonica, but the longing in his heart to joyfully present the converts to the Lord Jesus in eternity as the fruit of his earthly mission. Thus he described them as his joy and crown (Philippians 4:1). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was consumed with the passion to win souls for God’s kingdom. It was this passion that moved Him to lay down His life that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17).
A saved soul is a fruit of the believer’s labour; it brings pleasure and glory to God when we bear fruit (John 15:8). As much as there is joy and celebration in heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7). so is there greater joy for that child of God who labours to present a fruit before the Great Shepherd who alone rewards with the unfading crown (1 Peter 5:4). Child of God, do you have a yearning for soul-winning? Work now for that joy and crown. Remember. “He that wins a soul is wise (Proverbs 11:30).
PRAYER:
Must I go an empty handed?
Must I meet my Saviour so?
Not one soul with which to greet Him,
Must empty handed go?
